Chapter 27 #2
The cars passed through the ornate iron gates and proceeded up the long, tree-lined drive. Gravel crunched beneath the tires as we approached the forecourt, where Sébastien stood waiting at the foot of the grand entrance steps.
"Votre Grace," he greeted, his formality a reminder of my duties. "Bienvenue chez vous."
"Merci, Sébastien," I replied, matching his tone before helping Casey, who was being assisted by Janet.
Sébastien approached, his usual formal demeanor softening slightly. "Mr. Bennett," he said, nodding to Theo with a hint of warmth that hadn't been present during their first meeting in San Diego. "Welcome to Chateau Bellerive."
"Thanks," Theo replied, still looking overwhelmed as he took in the grand structure behind Sébastien. "It's... wow."
"Casey, good to see you again," Sébastien said, his voice gentling as he addressed Theo's brother. Casey smiled broadly in recognition. "Ms. Luzon," he added with a respectful nod to Janet, who returned the greeting.
"I trust your journey was comfortable?" he asked, seamlessly shifting back to his role as my right hand.
"As comfortable as a transatlantic flight can be," I replied.
"The chateau is prepared for your arrival," Sébastien informed me. "The east wing guest suites are ready as you requested."
“Excellent. Thanks, Sébastien.” I glanced at Theo, who was craning his neck to take in the intricate carvings adorning the entrance. “The east wing overlooks the lake and gardens. I thought you might enjoy the view.”
“I'm sure it's amazing,” Theo replied, breathless. “This whole place is... wow.”
I smiled at his genuine reaction, different from the practiced admiration I was used to from visitors with their own agendas.
As we entered the grand foyer with its soaring ceiling and sweeping staircase, I heard Casey’s soft gasp of delight.
Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating the marble floor and casting rainbows from the crystal chandelier overhead.
Portraits of my ancestors lined the walls, their stern gazes following our progress.
“It's just like Beauty and the Beast,” Casey said, turning in a slow circle.
Theo laughed. “Case, I don't think that's—”
“Actually,” I interrupted, “the chateau served as inspiration for some elements in that film. A distant cousin of mine consulted for the studio.”
“Really?” Theo asked, surprised.
“Really.”
It was a perfect moment—light, joyful, full of possibility. Which perhaps explains why the universe chose that instant to remind me of the challenges ahead.
“Your Grace,” Sébastien said, his tone shifting to one of careful neutrality. “There are two matters requiring your attention once you've settled.”
The diplomatic phrasing put me on alert. “Of course, Sébastien. Could you brief me while our guests rest?”
“Absolutely,” Sébastien said with a deferential nod. “Mrs. Fournier has prepared a light meal that can be served in the sitting room when you're ready.” He gestured subtly to a nearby staff member, who stepped forward to escort Casey and Ms. Luzon away.
I noticed Theo's hesitation as he glanced between Casey and me, his brow furrowing in that way I'd come to recognize as his internal struggle. He wanted to ensure his brother was comfortable, yet I could see curiosity, and concern, in his eyes about whatever Sébastien needed to discuss.
“Go ahead with Casey,” I said softly, touching his elbow. “I'll find you once I've handled this.”
Theo bit his lower lip, a habit I found endearing. “Are you sure? It sounds important.”
Sébastien cleared his throat. “Perhaps Mr. Bennett should remain, Your Grace.”
The suggestion surprised me. Sébastien rarely volunteered such opinions, especially regarding personal matters. I studied his face, noting the subtle tightness around his eyes that signaled genuine concern.
Theo caught the look too. “I think I should stay,” he said, his voice firmer than I expected. “Janet will get Casey settled.” He squeezed his brother's shoulder. “I'll come check on you soon, okay?”
Casey nodded, seemingly unbothered by the separation. “I want to see my room.”
As Janet guided Casey away, Theo stepped closer to me, his shoulder brushing mine in silent solidarity. The simple gesture steadied me more than he could know.
“Well then,” I said, turning to Sébastien. “Let's discuss these matters.”
Sebastien nodded. “It concerns tomorrow's audience with Their Royal Highnesses. They have requested your presence at eleven rather than the originally scheduled afternoon meeting.”
I understood the subtext all too clearly. My parents were eager, perhaps anxiously so, to discuss recent developments. “I see,” I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the sudden tightness in my chest. “Thank you for informing me.”
Theo, ever perceptive, sensed the shift. “Oh.” His expression flickered with concern. “Is that... because of us? Because of me?”
“It's because my parents are impatient by nature,” I replied lightly. “They prefer to address matters sooner rather than later.”
Sébastien cleared his throat discreetly. “The Crown Prince arrived yesterday and has met with Their Royal Highnesses. He asked me to inform you that he has 'prepared the battlefield' as best he could.”
Gratitude and apprehension washed through me in equal measure. Remy had kept his word, and advocated for my right to live openly. But his military metaphor was telling. This would not be a simple conversation.
Theo tensed beside me. Before I could reassure him, he straightened his shoulders, speaking with quiet determination.
“Whatever you need from me tomorrow, I'm here,” he said steadily. “If you want me to come with you, I will. If best for me to stay back, I understand that too. Just... I'm with you, Ricard. However you need me.”
His declaration moved me profoundly. This man had crossed an ocean to support me and was now offering to stand beside me during possibly one of the most difficult confrontations of my life.
“Thank you,” I said softly, resisting the urge to pull him close. “Your support means more than I can express.” I looked over at Sebastien. “And the second item?”
“The media strategy we discussed,” he continued, handing me a leather portfolio. “Ms. Dubois has completed the press statements for various scenarios following tomorrow's meeting. And security has implemented the privacy measures around the estate.”
Theo froze. “Media? Will they know we're here?”
I squeezed his hand. “Not yet. We've been careful. Private airfield, tinted windows. But eventually, yes, our relationship will become public.”
“We've prepared for that eventuality,” Sébastien added with surprising gentleness.
“The communications team has experience managing similar situations for other royal families.
They've drafted statements emphasizing the duke's right to privacy and happiness, highlighting Mr. Bennett's care for his brother, and focusing on the charitable foundation you'll be establishing for traumatic brain injury research.”
“A foundation?” Theo looked at me questioningly.
“I thought it might give meaning to the media attention we'll inevitably face,” I explained. “Channel it toward something that matters to you.”
His eyes widened with understanding. “That's... brilliant, actually.”
“It's the royal way,” I said with a small smile. “If we must be in the public eye, let's ensure it benefits others.”
Sébastien tucked the portfolio under his arm with practiced efficiency. “If there's nothing else, Your Grace, I'll see to the final arrangements for tomorrow's meeting.”
“Thank you, Sébastien.” I appreciated his discretion, the way he understood when to stay and when to withdraw. It was one of his many qualities that had made him indispensable to me over the years.
He bowed, first to me, then to Theo. “Mr. Bennett, should you need anything during your stay, please don't hesitate to ask. The staff has been instructed to accommodate your requests with the highest priority.”
The formality in his tone had softened, a subtle but significant shift that told me he had already accepted Theo's place in my life. Relief washed through me. Sébastien's approval mattered more than I cared to admit.
As Sebastien walked away, I turned to Theo, who stood examining a tapestry on the wall with feigned interest. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, a nervous habit I'd come to recognize.
“Are you alright?” I asked, stepping closer.
“Just processing.” His voice was steady despite his restless hands. “It's becoming real, isn't it? All of this, us, it's not just some fantasy anymore.”
“On the contrary,” I replied, my tone gentle but resolute, “this is perhaps the most authentic moment in my life. Come.” I took Theo's hand. “Let me show you to your room. Though I should warn you, I don't intend for you to spend much time there.”
His eyebrows rose, a smile playing at his lips. “Oh? And where will I be spending my time instead?”
“In my chambers,” I replied, enjoying the way his pupils dilated at my words. “They're more spacious, and the bed is... designed for activities beyond mere sleeping.”
“Is that so, Your Grace?” he teased, using my title in the way he knew would affect me most.
“Indeed,” I returned, guiding him toward the grand staircase. “And I believe a thorough demonstration is in order. After dinner, of course.”
“Of course,” he echoed, grin widening. “We wouldn't want to scandalize the staff by skipping a meal.”
As we climbed the stairs, Theo asked, “So how does this work? Me and Casey living here? I mean, legally speaking.”
“Your residency permits were processed last week,” I replied.
“One advantage of being a member of the royal family is expedited immigration.
You and Casey have been granted special status as 'persons of national interest' to Avaline. If you agree, I’d like you to chair the new foundation, which also provides legal residency.”
“Wait—we're already legal residents?” Theo looked astonished. “That fast?”
I nodded. “Initially for one year, renewable indefinitely. After three years, you'll be eligible for citizenship if you wish.” I hesitated before adding, “Of course, there are... other options that could expedite that process further.”
His eyebrows rose. “Other options?”
“Let's just say marriage to an Avalinian citizen carries certain privileges,” I murmured, watching his cheeks flush at the implication.
“But that's a conversation for another day.” As we reached the landing, I paused.
“I should mention—meeting my parents tomorrow isn't just a formality. There are constitutional considerations regarding my role.”
Anxiety flashed across Theo's face. “Could they... force you to choose? Between your position and... us?”
“They could try,” I acknowledged, “but I've spent the past few days speaking with my legal advisors. My title is hereditary. They cannot strip me of being Duke d'Moncloud without an act of parliament, which has never happened in our history. And my personal fortune is separate from crown funds.”
“So even if—”
“Even in the worst case,” I said, “I have resources independent of the crown. Three estates, investment portfolios established by my grandfather, and holdings that have nothing to do with royal allowances.” I brushed my thumb across his cheek.
“I've ensured our future is secure, whatever happens.
Casey's medical care, your comfort, our life together—none of it depends on my parents' approval.”
Relief softened his features. “You've really thought of everything.”
“When you mean everything to me? Yes, I have.”
The corridors whispered with memories as we walked.
My arm settled around Theo's shoulders, his warmth seeping through our proximity.
Our footsteps echoed softly against the stone as we emerged onto the west terrace.
Below us, the gardens unfurled, geometric parterres giving way to wilder plantings.
Theo leaned into me, breathing in the air filled with lemon verbena. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled the hour. As he turned his face into my neck, the brush of his lips against my skin sent a familiar warmth through me.
We stood anchored there, not prince and companion, not protector and protected, but two souls who had weathered separate storms to find calm.
The first stars emerged as twilight deepened, and my arm tightened around him as our lips met before we turned toward the warm glow of the chateau windows, our shadows merging on the weathered stone as we walked inside.
Tomorrow would bring challenges, confrontations, moments of truth. But for now, with Theo beside me, I allowed myself to believe in the possibility of a future where duty and desire could coexist—where the weight of my title could be balanced by the lightness of love.